Ventura shoplifting turns into attempted stabbing – with pencils

Security cameras at Theresa's Country Feed & Pet in Simi Valley recently caught shoplifters in the act. The store is offering a $500 reward for information leading to their arrests.
COURTESY THERESA'S COUNTRY FEED

Ventura police said a reported shoplifter allegedly tried to stab a Vons loss-prevention officer with sharpened pencils on Tuesday night.

The shoplifting suspect, identified as Michael Soulas, 47, was taken into custody after police responded about 10:40 p.m. to the grocery store at 115 W. Main St., authorities said.

Soulas was contacted by the loss-prevention officer upon trying to leave without paying for several items, police said.

Soulas tried to leave but was restrained by the loss-prevention officer, authorities said. Soulas resisted and reportedly tried to stab the loss-prevention officer with several sharpened pencils he was holding, police said.

The loss-prevention officer backed off and Soulas ran out in front of the store, where several people detained him until police officers arrived, authorities said.

Soulas was arrested and booked into the Ventura County jail on suspicion of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, police said.